Pursuing Excellence: Always Learning

November is a time to pause and reflect on the people and things for which we are most thankful. Honestly, I am grateful every day of the year for the people committed to our wastewater treatment plant and the communities we serve. At SDD, transforming wastewater into clean, safe water worthy of the Sangamon River is more than a job. It is a mission, and our team rises to that challenge every day. 

Wastewater is never the same. Its contents can vary from day to day and even hour to hour. It is unpredictable. Yet the water we discharge into the Sangamon River must always be safe and clean, consistently meeting the standards established by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). There are no exceptions. Working at a wastewater treatment plant requires real-time problem-solving, a broad range of skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. 

One way our staff demonstrates its dedication to excellence is through professional certifications. Our leadership team and plant operators hold certifications that require ongoing education to maintain. The Executive Director is a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO); the Director of Engineering is a Professional Engineer (PE); the Director of Maintenance is a Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM); the Director of Compliance, Chief Operator, and Plant Operators are IEPA Certified Operators. By completing the continuing education required to maintain these certifications, our staff stays informed about evolving industry practices, new technologies, and emerging challenges. 

The Illinois Wastewater Operator Certification program provides an excellent example of this commitment. To earn a Class 1 certification, the highest level available, an operator must pass four rigorous tests and accumulate at least six years of qualifying experience in wastewater operations, laboratory work, public water supply, or collection systems. Maintaining certification requires 15 to 30 hours of professional education every three years. 

While many treatment processes remain consistent from year to year, building a utility of the future requires a broader perspective. Today’s operators must understand and prepare for an evolving environmental and regulatory landscape. Climate change, resource recovery, watershed-based management, and the growing role of data analytics are just a few of the challenges our operators and our organization must address as we continue to serve our communities. 

I am grateful to work alongside some of the most dedicated, knowledgeable, and resourceful people I know. We are proud of the work we do and the impact it has on protecting public health and the environment. 

If you have a group that would like to meet the team behind this important work, contact us at 447-225-5733 to tour our facility. 

 

Interested in receiving more information?  Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.